Ah, Thanksgiving dessert—the sweet finale to our family gatherings that brings everyone together! There’s something magical about that moment when the pie is served, the aroma of spices wafting through the air, and smiles spreading all around the table. My favorite Thanksgiving tradition has always been gathering around with loved ones, sharing stories while savoring a slice of homemade pumpkin pie. This recipe is extra special to me because it’s been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of the holiday with its creamy filling and flaky crust. Trust me, you’ll want to save this recipe for your next family celebration—it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Dessert
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 unbaked pie crust
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Dessert
Preheat and Mix
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 425°F (220°C) to kick things off. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and start combining your pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. I like to use a whisk here; it really helps blend everything together smoothly. Once those spices and sugar are nicely mixed in, it’s time to add the evaporated milk and eggs. Just crack the eggs right in and stir until everything is well combined. You want that mixture to be creamy and inviting—trust me, it’ll make the pie so delicious!
Pour and Bake
Now, let’s get that lovely filling into the pie crust! Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture into your unbaked pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Pop that pie into your preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. This initial high temperature helps set the filling. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—your pie is done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
Cooling and Serving
Once your pie is done baking, let it cool at room temperature for at least an hour. This is important because it allows the filling to firm up a bit more, making it easier to slice. When you’re ready to serve, I highly recommend topping each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream—it adds that extra touch of indulgence! Your guests will be raving about this Thanksgiving dessert long after the last slice is gone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Deliciously festive flavors that scream Thanksgiving
- Vegetarian-friendly, perfect for all dietary preferences
- Classic recipe that brings back warm family memories
- Customizable with your favorite spices or toppings
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving dessert turns out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen! First, always use fresh spices if possible—they really enhance the flavor of your pumpkin pie. And don’t skip the step of pre-baking at a high temperature; it helps set the filling and gives you that beautiful texture. Keep an eye on the pie during the last few minutes of baking; if the edges start to brown too much, you can cover them with a bit of foil to prevent burning.
Also, let your pie cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but this step helps the filling firm up nicely. And finally, if you want to get fancy, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the whipped cream for that extra holiday touch! You’ll be amazed at how these little details make a big difference.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delightful Thanksgiving dessert, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each slice of pumpkin pie:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your preferences and dietary needs, but I promise—every slice is worth it!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Dessert
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making this pumpkin pie a day in advance can really enhance the flavors as they have more time to meld together. Just bake the pie, let it cool completely, and then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy more time with your loved ones instead of stressing in the kitchen!
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you find yourself without pumpkin puree, don’t worry! You can use an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash as a great alternative. Both options will give you that lovely texture and sweetness. Just make sure they’re well cooked and smooth before adding them to your mixture!
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
To check for doneness, gently shake the pie once it’s been baking for the recommended time. If the center has a slight jiggle but the edges are set, you’re in great shape! You can also insert a knife about an inch from the edge; if it comes out clean, your pie is ready to cool. Just remember, it will firm up more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little soft right out of the oven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious pumpkin pie fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors. It’ll stay good for up to four days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, you can serve it cold, but if you prefer it warm, simply pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, as that can make the filling a bit rubbery. A warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream is pure bliss!
Print
Thanksgiving Dessert: 5 Reasons to Love This Pumpkin Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Stir in evaporated milk and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes until the filling is set.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream on top.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie, holiday dessert
